Desert Rock Blockade « Read Less
DESERT ROCK BLOCKADE REPORT
I just returned to Flagstaff from Burnham, New Mexico where community members have established a blockade to prevent preliminary work for the proposed Desert Rock coal-fired power plant. On Tuesday, December 12th Elouise Brown & elder Alice Gilmore along with their relatives and concerned community members took action and stopped representatives of Sithe Global from entering onto their land. It was found that the New York based company Sithe Global, along with Dine' Power Authority which is an enterprise of the Navajo Nation, had been drilling for water near Alice Gilmore's home.
A tent has been raised, a fire is being kept and donations are slowly pouring in.
The elders and folks out there have experienced harassment and threats from law enforcement and other officials. They have also stated that their elected representatives are ignoring them. Aside from Navajo Nation Vice President Frank Dayish visiting a few days ago, no other officials have met with these folks to hear their concerns.
When my friend Cy and I arrived we were warmly welcomed, the camp is completely prayerful and peaceful. Although we heard of the harassment of the resisters, we also heard of their resolve to stand until their homes, their sacred sites and their ways of life are protected.
Please take a moment and support the families who are courageously taking a stand!
Ahee' hee',
Klee Benally
Indigenous Action Media
You can view more pictures at www.buzznet.blackfire.net
MORE SUPPORT IS NEEDED!
This is a call to participate in the blockade from the community:
"This direct action is Dine’ – Native based. You have been invited by the Dine’ grassroots families that live on the land where the proposed Desert Rock coal-fired power plant may be built."
For more information on participating in the blockade, where to go and what to bring check out: http://www.desert-rock-blog.com
A few specific items that were requested are:
- Unleaded gas in appropriate containers for a generator
- A Port-a-potty (Navajo Vice President Frank Dayish had promised one days ago and has yet to provide)
- Various kitchen Supplies including: Hefty trash bags, large pots, ladles for stew, paring knives, paper towels, baking powder, hand soap, toilet paper, a washpan and big bowls.
- Monetary donations to cover costs of radio announcements
Video cameras and digital cameras would also be very helpful.
Please contact DineCARE and Dooda Desert Rock Committee if you would like to help.
Contact:
Sarah Jane White, Doodá Desert Rock Committee (505) 860-6166
Dailan J. Long , Diné CARE, Doodá Desert Rock Committee (505) 801-0713
Elouise Brown, Doodá Desert Rock Committee (505) 974-6159
Lori Goodman, Diné CARE (970) 759-1908
For more up to date information visit: http://www.desert-rock-blog.com
ADDITIONAL WAYS TO HELP:
Contact the Following Authorities! Tell them you have heard about
Desert Rock's harassment of Navajo elders and youth. Tell them you
are extremely concerned! If enough people contact these offices they
will know that the world is watching.
Shiprock Police Department
phone: (505) 368-1350
fax: (505) 368-1293
Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley's Office
P.O. Box 9000 Window Rock, Arizona, 86515
phone #: (928) 871- 6352
also: George Hardeen, Navajo Nation Communications Director Office of
the President
Office #: 928-871-7000
Cell #: 928-380-7688
e-mail: georgehardeen@opvp.org
Bureau of Indian Affairs (Gallup Office) they are conducting the
Environmental Impact Statement.
Harrilene Yazzi, NEPA Coordinator Bureau of Indian Affairs, Navajo
Regional Office
P.0. Box 1060 Gallup, New Mexico 87305
Phone: 505-863-8314
Fax: 505-863-8324
For those who cannot make it out to Burnham, NM there maybe places to hold solidarity demonstrations/vigils at near you:
SITHE GLOBAL POWER LLC
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
NEW YORK
Sithe Global Power, LLC
245 Park Avenue
38th Floor
New York, NY 10167
Phone: 212.351.0000
Fax: 212.351.0880
Contact: mitchell@sitheglobal.com
REGIONAL & AFFILIATE OFFICES
TEXAS
Sithe Global Power, LLC
Three Riverway
Suite 1100
Houston, Texas 77056
Phone: 713.499.1155
Fax: 713.499.1167
Contact: white@sitheglobal.com
TORONTO
Sithe Global Power, LLC
Commerce Court West, Suite 5300
199 Bay Street
Toronto, Ontario M5L 1B9
Phone: 416.869.5647
Fax: 416.947.0866
Contact: baxter@sitheglobal.com













